BCB VIP Review: Baby Jogger City Mini

BCB VIP Mom, Julie Salmen, was the lucky winner of a Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller (retail value $239.99) during our Bump Club and Beyond VIP only contest earlier this spring. Below is her personal review of the stroller after using it for a couple of weeks. Check it out, and make sure to visit our Facebook page, and you too could have the chance to WIN a Baby Jogger City Mini!

Smooth Going for City Streets

A Product Review by Julie Salmen, Chicago

After trying four different strollers, the City Mini gets a top rating for ease of folding and storing. I have a small trunk and it fits even with a pack-and-play, golf clubs and other bags.

The City Mini is a smooth ride while roaming around bumpy city streets. Don’t be fooled by the Baby Jogger branding. This is not a stroller you can jog with (per the instructions manual), but the turning radius and skinny frame make it easy to go around corners and squeeze through tight spaces. The huge sunshade is bigger than most – a bonus to protect your child from the sun or to help him or her sleep without distractions.

Plan on taking only a few items since the bottom basket is quite small and hard to get to, and you are not supposed to put a bag on the stroller handle. Buying a cup holder for the handle will also help you travel with coffee or water. I found that the straps were a bit loose for my 6 month old but she is 35^th percentile for weight so she is running a little skinny. Overall a great stroller. Thanks City Mini!

Editor's Note: The Baby Jogger City Mini does have an adapter available for most infant carriers, making it usable for newborns who are in their infant carriers. Baby Jogger recommends placing the child in the stroller without the infant carrier at six months or once the baby can hold it's head up on it's own.

I hope that this post doesn't jinx my good fortune...

Everyone tells me how lucky I am that Baby J is a good sleeper. I don't know otherwise, but I trust them and feel very fortunate. Hopefully blogging about this doesn't reverse my good fortune. ;)

While I know that some of it has to do with her temperament, and the fact that she must have been born with my sleep genes (neither my dad nor I can say no to a good nap no matter what time of day...), a lot of it has to do with the steps my husband and I have put into place to give her a safe and healthy sleeping environment. When Janeen Hayward of Swellbeing, and Deree Kobets and Meredith Legenos of Grow spoke at Bump Club's Expectant Mom Dinner tonight, it was a good refresher of all of the things we have done within our control to get to where we are today.

1. Make sure to have a nice firm mattress for your baby to sleep on. If you can get an organic mattress, even better.

2. Try to make the baby's room as dark as possible. We purchased temporary blackout shades on Amazon.com. Baby J's room is dark all day long---for her naps and at night. However during the first 8-12 weeks of her life, we let her nap anywhere. Most of the time, she napped in our living room during the day. But now, the dark room definitely helps to signify that it is time to go to sleep.

3. We use a white noise machine. We have the Sounds for Silence by The First Years, which we bought at Target. Since we transferred her from the Pack N' Play in our bedroom to the crib in hers when she turned 8 weeks old, we have used the white noise every night. I now need white noise to sleep as it puts me into a restful slumber through the monitor (it's either that or the fact that I am simply exhausted!)

4. SWADDLE SWADDLE SWADDLE! For the first six weeks we thought that J "hated" the swaddle. As it turns out, we were not making it tight enough and she was busting out of it. That was when we enlisted the straight jacket of all swaddle blankets: Summer Infant's SwaddleMe (also described here on our blog.) J slept more soundly once we started to really wrap her up in this. While I can't promise anything, she started sleeping much longer stretches once she couldn't wake herself up at night. As it turned out, she didn't hate being swaddled after all.

5. Make sure the temperature is right in the room. We keep our upstairs at 68-69 degrees F.

6. Make sure your baby is wearing clothes that allow their bodies to breathe. Organic cotton is best, especially if it is next to your baby's skin. Synthetic materials can make them hot. We now dress J in cotton or organic cotton one piece pajamas and put her in a sleep sack. Our favorite is the Aden + Anais muslin Classic Sleeping Bag. It seems thin, but has two layers and really keeps the baby quite comfortable. If you want more warmth, you can always use the Aden + Anais muslin Cozy Sleeping Bag.

7. Once she was 12 weeks old we started a routine. Generally speaking between 7-7:30 (depending on the day's nap schedule) we take a bath (sometimes a quick one), change into our pj's, and have a bottle in our glider before going into the crib. Sometimes we change things up a bit. If J doesn't seem tired, we lay on her rug and listen to music for a few songs until she starts to rub her eyes.

8. Try not to put a mobile that makes noise or a ton of movement over the bed as this can be distracting. Instead, put it over the changing table as that is a place where you can use a distraction for the baby.

9. We have kept Baby J's bed free of everything. She has a mattress, mattress cover, and a sheet which all sits on top of the bedskirt. There is no bumper, no stuffed animals, no blankets, NOTHING else inside the crib. These are the guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

10. You won't know your baby's sleep needs or schedule (which they likely won't have until they are 4 months+) until after they are out of the womb. So take it one day at a time. When you first bring them home, give them what they need. These are my favorite words of Janeen's. Your baby is only that tiny for so long---there is no such thing as spoiling a 2-week old baby! Just enjoy your time with them!

I can't promise that your baby is going to be sleeping through the night at three months if you follow these guidelines. Some things are just out of your control. But I will say that Janeen Hayward has been sharing these ideas with me now for over a year, and using any of them or a combination thereof, can only help you to get you to the place you want to be with your baby's sleep. Make sure to sign up for both Swellbeing and Grow's e-newseletter so that you an get the latest tips for sleep and information on the best products to help you achieve results!

Star struck...

Almost 15 years ago (in what almost seems like another life) I was the Editor-In-Chief of my high school news magazine. Writing was my passion and without a doubt I knew I wanted to pursue journalism as a career. As we all know, things change, and long story short, I ended working on the business side of magazines for nearly a decade before starting Bump Club and Beyond.

Even though I wasn't writing, magazines and the printed word remained my passion. Having the unopened box of magazines fresh from the printer delivered to my desk before they hit newsstand never lost its luster. "What's your point?" I am sure you are asking....

To me, the Editors of the magazines that I read are celebrities. I spend a lot of time with them and their publications every month. Over the years I have looked to the Editors of many of my favorite publications as good friends---they do give me good advice, right? So when Peg Moline, Editor-In-Chief of FitPregnancy walked into our Buyer's Guide event last Thursday night, I admittedly was star struck--and I told her so. I have read every word in every issue of hers since I found out I was pregnant over fifteen months ago. Not only was I meeting her, but she was speaking at OUR event AND I had the honor of introducing her.

Peg lived up and exceeded every expectation that I had about her. She is personable, honest and funny. I now know why I love FitPregnancy as much as I do---Peg's philosophy is one I try to capture at all of our events: WHATEVER WORKS BEST FOR YOU. I think those words came out of her mouth at least five times on Thursday night. In the few moments I spent with her, I know that she means them.

Peg told me that she loved the event and had so much fun. I've already asked her to come back, and next time we will make it even bigger than last week! For the 100 or so of you that were lucky enough to see, meet, and interact with Peg last week---I truly hope that you felt the same way I did. For those of you who were not able to attend---I highly recommend picking up the latest issue of the magazine so that you can see for yourself. I promise, you won't be disappointed. Happy reading :)

Back to Basics During the Blizzard of 2011

Don't get me wrong, I love all of Baby J's "things" that soothe her and keep her warm, dry, calm, and happy. At any given time we have many options to keep her stimulated and entertained: the mamaRoo, The Skip Hop play mat, toys from Tiny Love, Baby Einstein and Lamaze, and as many of you know, I couldn't live without my Little Lamb Swing from Fisher-Price. But the Blizzard of 2011 has given me new perspective to the meaning of "Going Back to the Basics."

When the storm hit I was home alone with Baby J and our dog. My husband was on a weeklong business trip. Great timing I know. We were hunkered down on Tuesday night and with a flicker of the lights we lost our power.

Thankfully I had made a few preparations: gathered some warm clothes, made a few bottles, and took out a flashlight. But I couldn't help but panic. I knew that the house was going to get cold---it was only 11pm. I wondered how long the power would be out and when we would be able to get out of the house. I figured I could bundle J and put her in the bed with me; but then I would have to stay up all night to make sure she was kept safe. For the first time in a long time I was very scared.

My cell phone wasn't working, but BBM was. I had a couple friends trying to figure out what I should do. I thought quick and got a hold of my friend who lives very close and has a Pathfinder. Without a second thought her husband jumped in the car and came evacuate all three of us to warmth and safety.

Before he came it was dark and I couldn't see very much---so I threw J's basic necessities in a bag: diapers, wipes, diaper cream, the bottles, formula, and a few changes of clothes. I grabbed my breast pump and piled it into the bassinet from her Stokke Xplory which I figured she could sleep in. It sounds like a lot, but given what is in the usual arsenal, this was nothing. With some quick thinking I remembered all of my frozen breast milk in the freezer and grabbed that too. I sure as hell was not going to let all of that hard work go down the drain (literally) because of some snow!

We weren't even gone for 24 hours before the power came back on and we were able to get the Pathfinder out of the garage to return home. J was a little out of her element--instead of the lamb swing we laid on a blanket on the floor or I held her; instead of her crib we napped in the bassinet which was a little too small for her long legs, and instead of music from the ipod, I sang her some songs (which probably made her cringe).

It all made me realize that while all of the "things" are great----we all definitely have a tendency to over prepare, over stimulate and over purchase for our babies. Going back to the basics was a great exercise. Maybe now when I leave the house I won't take everything but the kitchen sink? (Really, who am I kidding?) If anything, this all made for a great story for J when she is big enough to understand.

And the best part of the story? J basically jumped out of my arms into her Little Lamb when we got home; and of course I was thrilled to put my feet up and watch her for a few quiet moments.

JJ Cole Collections Car Seat Cover

Recommended by: Lindsay Pinchuk, Chicago

Let's face it, you can't walk anywhere in Chicago on a cold day and not run into a million buntings over strollers and car seats. How else are you supposed to keep your child warm on Chicago's blustery winter days? Until last month, we were using the Bundleme over our infant car seat too. After a recent meeting with fireman and co-owner of Chicago-based Safety Squad, Brooks Watson, I had no idea that there were safer options for keeping Baby J warm during the coldest days.

Brooks pointed out to me that the Bundleme was a GREAT option for the stroller, or for the infant seat, when you are ON A WALK. However, he told me that putting any kind of insulation device into the infant car seat while driving in the car is not the safest solution. Even a warm puffy coat can provide extra padding that can inhibit the car seat to perform as it is supposed to. Brooks introduced me to my new FAVORITE product---the JJ Cole Collections Car Seat Cover. He praised JJ Cole for coming out with this alternate product to help keep babies warm and SAFE while in a moving vehicle.

The Car Seat Cover (retailing at around $30) fits OVER the infant car seat with an elastic grip. It unzips completely, allowing you access to all of the straps and pulls---to help insure that you put your baby in the infant seat properly. This great product helps keep baby warm, but also allows for baby to fit in the car seat properly, and for the seat to perform as it is meant to. On a REALLY cold day, I also stick a blanket in over Baby J...and if it is REALLY REALLY cold, I can cover her tiny face with the flap that goes over the opening and will protect her from the wind, but still provides her with proper ventilation.

While I love my JJ Cole Collections Bundleme (especially because mine is purple...), I will save it for walks in our stroller later this winter/spring. For now, while Baby J is in her infant car seat, the JJ Cole Collections Car Seat Cover is a permanent fixture IN our car.

Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs

Recommended By: Lindsay Pinchuk, Chicago

It’s inevitable, your baby is going to spit up and it will likely end up all over him/her and you too. A few people suggested to me that I feed Baby J in a bib so I wouldn’t have to change her clothes so often. When I found these Aden + Anais Burby Bibs, it was as if someone was reading my mind!

The Burpy Bibs are great as they are burp clothes that also have a snap and can double as a baby bib. You probably already have a ton of stuff to throw in your diaper bag, so this product is actually a two-for-one. Not only are they practical, but Burby Bibs are also SUPER CUTE!

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

Recommended By: Erica Smith, Chicago

When I was nursing and Hunter was small enough to fit on it, I loved the my Brest Friend pillow. Unlike the Boppy, it straps on and offers way more support. My sister and our lactation consultant recommended it instead of the boppy and they were so right! We do have a boppy,but the only thing we used it for was to support Hunter when he couldn't sit up by himself.

Summer Comfy Baby´s Safety Foam Bath Sponge

Recommended By: Lindsay Pinchuk, Chicago

In the beginning, bathing your baby may seem like a daunting task. I always felt like I was going to break her, and they certainly become slipperly little suckers when you get them in the tub (or sink). We tried a couple options and different ways of bathing Baby J, but none of them were really working and seemed awkward. They all made me nervous.

A friend of mine told me about this awesome sponge support that I absolutely love. It fits right into the sink and provides a no-slip surface. Also, I can rest Baby J’s head on it since its soft and cushy, without feeling like she is going to hit her head on something hard. Bathtime has become fun and enjoyable thanks to this awesome sponge---which also costs under $10!

Fisher Price Cradle 'n Swing Little Lamb

Recommended By: Lindsay Pinchuk, Chicago

Simply put: I COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT THIS PRODUCT!

After going to a few playgroups who had the Fisher Price Cradle 'n Swing (retail $160) in their house, Baby J really seemed to like it---and so did everyone else’s baby. Once she got to three weeks old, and I felt like I did not have anywhere to set her down while I washed bottles, straightened up the kitchen, or went to the bathroom---I knew that I had to get something set up in my living room.

After a couple of days where I couldn’t calm her down I ran to Babies R Us and bought this swing.

There is a reason why everyone has it.

Besides the fact that it is super cozy, it also plays music and sounds, swings at multiple levels, and even three different motions. While the size of the base is the only downside (it is a bit wide), it more than does the trick. I often let Baby J fall asleep in the swing and then turn it off or transfer her to her bed. She can also sit in it for 1-2 hours at a time while she is awake looking at the moving lambs above her, or smiling at herself in the mirror. Now that we know how well this product works, I want to go get the matching bouncy chair to keep in my bedroom for the mornings when I am getting ready!

As I type this, Baby J is sleeping soundly in her swing waiting to be transferred to her crib for the night :)!

SwaddleMe by Summer Infant

Recommended By: Lindsay Pinchuk, Chicago

From week three, Baby J has been busting out of her swaddles. I was not sure if she didn’t like it, or if we weren’t making it tight enough. All in all, she is a good sleeper, so I didn’t think anything of it. However like any baby, she too has her moments and her bad nights. It made me wonder if I could do anything to help her sleep more soundly.

More than a few people told me to use the sleep sacks with the removable Velcro arms. The product reminded me of a straight jacket at first, but after the last two nights I am forever converted.

Three nights ago we put Baby J in the Sumer Infant organic cotton SwaddleMe. (I chose this one at the store because the size went up to 14lbs and wanted to get as much wear out of it as possible.) BABY J SLEPT WITHOUT WAKING UP FOR OVER 10 HOURS TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW! Who knows if this was just a fluke, but she certainly seemed content. Not only did she get a good night’s sleep, but her tired parents (surprisingly) did too! I hope that I am not jinxing her sleep habits with this blogpost.

Recommended By: Katie Asner, Chicago

I can't live without the fleece swaddle sleep sacks (either Halo or Summer). Hazel slept 6 hours her first night in it when she was 3 days old and has been STTN since 5 weeks old. I dread the moment we have to give up swaddling!!

Baby’s First Wheels!

Advice from Real Bump Club Chicago Moms-to-Be

By guest blogger: Andrea Winitsky Rubin

When my husband and I decided to trade in our trusty ’99 Saab for something a bit more “baby friendly” it took us only a day to decide on the perfect mom-mobile SUV. Therefore, I figured picking out a stroller for our daughter-to-be (due 11/1) would be easy peasy. Not quite!

We began our stroller adventures at the highly recommended Galt Toys + Galt Baby, where we stood shell-shocked until a helpful sales associate, Sam, rescued us. We filled Sam in about some important deets about our lifestyle:

• We enjoy long strolls with our pup during the few warm months in Chicago
• We occasionally jump in the car for errands and may even start going to the grocery store once we have a kid
• We want a stylish stroller (Ok, that request was from me, not my husband)

I left Galt knowing more about strollers than I do about restaurants in Chicago (a topic I’m very well informed on) and was pretty sure we were going to end up with the Bugaboo Cameleon, one of the priciest of the bunch, but it seemed to meet our needs.

Before making the $1000 Bugaboo splurge we decided to do a bit more research and continued to check out strollers at Lazar’s Juvenile Furniture and Land of Nod. The Bugaboo Cameleon was still looking pretty good, although we questioned if the Baby Jogger City Select would be better since it easily converts into a double. I’m still getting used to the idea of 1 kid, but may decide to pop out another one in a few years. And the Jetson-Like Orbit looked pretty cool, although we didn’t love the idea that it’s compatible with only their car seat.

My husband, who surprisingly is as excited about stroller shopping as he is about new TVs, discovered the website Baby Gizmo where he watched stroller video reviews for days. Based on his video research he decided what we really needed was a cool European stroller like the Mutsy 4rider or the iCandy Apple. I even asked one of my European colleagues to keep an eye out for them on the streets of London.

We took one last trip to the new Lincoln Park location of Galt Baby, to check out my husband’s beloved Mutsy and iCandy strollers. We were informed that they haven’t sold the Mutsy in over a year due to poor sales and they’d even give us a discount on the iCandy since they were trying to get rid of them. The sales rep told us what we really needed was the Bugaboo Bee, which we had been previously told did not fit our needs. Aaahhh- I certainly hope deciding on kindergarten is easier!

After a day of quizzing people on the streets about their strollers (yep, we’ve become THOSE people) and putting our friends to sleep with stroller talk over dinner we walked into a Bump Club registry event at Giggle. It was here we discovered the UPPAbaby Vista:

• Sleek style
• Somewhat easy to collapse (folds with the seat on it)
• Large storage basket
• Less expensive than the Bugaboo Cameleon

One drawback to the UPPAbaby is that it’s a bit heavy so we’re going to purchase the Baby Jogger City Mini as a second traveling stroller. New moms tell me the Graco SnugRider is another must. My husband and I may need only 1 car to get around Chicago, but I have a feeling our daughter mayhave 5 strollers by the time her 1^st bday rolls around.